Name
Applying Intersectionality to Expose the Impact of COVID-19 in NYC & Hidden Inequities
Date & Time
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Track
Pandemic; Student Concerns; Disability Concerns
Session Type
Panel
Description

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to individuals' lifestyles. Despite challenges during the pandemic, there is limited focus on underserved members within the developmental disability (DD) community. This study aims to explore the concerns and needs of Korean immigrant families of children and young adults with DD during the pandemic and this population's COVID-19-related public health issues. A quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study using an online/in-person survey was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the population in the NYC region compared with their counterparts. The findings revealed the mental health disparities of the population, including the negative long-term impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the caregivers. The most negatively impacted Korean immigrant families by COVID-19 had children with DD and low income. These findings call for the application of intersectionality of ability, race/ethnicity, and income to eliminate mental health disparities among the population.